Last reviewed: 22 October 2026
Need to find a company’s VAT number? Start by checking the company’s invoices, receipts, or official website. Or you can ask the business directly. Once you have the number, HMRC’s online VAT checker can help you confirm whether it is valid and check the business name and its registered address.
However, you cannot use this VAT checker to search for a number by entering a company name. The checker verifies a number you already have. If you do not know the number, you will need to obtain it from the business.
This guide explains how to find a VAT number for a company, verify it, and locate your own business’s VAT number in the UK.
From Paperwork to Peace of Mind – Trust Micro Entity Accounts.
What is a VAT Number?
A VAT number is a unique 9-digit code that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) sends to businesses. It identifies the business for VAT purposes and is used on VAT invoices. It may also include the prefix GB, for example, GB123456789.
However, Brexit (a portmanteau of “British” and “exit”) changed a few things for Northern Ireland businesses.
Following Brexit, certain businesses in Northern Ireland that are identified as trading under the Windsor Framework must use the XI prefix when dealing with relevant trade in goods between Northern Ireland and the EU.
Moreover, a VAT registration number helps identify a business’s VAT registration, but it does not by itself prove that every transaction qualifies for VAT recovery or special VAT treatment.
If you want to calculate your VAT, use our free VAT calculator UK. It can help you to quickly add or remove VAT from any amount.
Why Do You Need a VAT Number?
Before discussing how to find a VAT number for a company, it is crucial to understand why you need a VAT number.
Checking a supplier’s VAT registration number helps confirm whether the business is registered for VAT. It can also help you identify potential errors or fraud.
Additionally, it is important when reviewing VAT invoices and business purchases. To reclaim VAT, you typically need valid evidence, such as a VAT invoice, and the purchase must qualify under HMRC rules. Note that a VAT number alone does not guarantee that VAT can be reclaimed.
How to Find a VAT Number for a Company
If you need another company’s VAT number, you can get it from the following sources:
1. Check the Company’s Invoices or Receipts
If you have bought goods or services from the company, check its invoices and receipts. A VAT invoice issued by a VAT-registered business will normally include its VAT registration number.
Look for a nine-digit number, sometimes shown with a country prefix such as GB. If the document does not include the number, ask the supplier to confirm its VAT status.
Keep in mind that not every business is VAT-registered. So the absence of a VAT number does not automatically mean that an invoice is fraudulent.
2. Visit the Company’s Official Website
If you don’t know how to find a VAT number for a company through invoices or receipts, check the company’s official website.
Some UK businesses publish their VAT number on their website. Check pages such as contact us, about us, legal or company information, and the website footer.
However, not every business displays its VAT number online. If you cannot find it, contact the company rather than assuming it is not VAT-registered.
3. Contact the Company Directly
If the number is not available on the website or your paperwork, ask the company’s accounts team, supplier contact, or customer service team.
If you are a business supplier or customer, explain why you need the number and request confirmation of the business’s VAT registration details.
Can You Find a Company’s VAT Number by Searching Its Name?
No, you cannot directly look up a company’s VAT number by searching its company name. HMRC requires you to enter the VAT number you want to verify.
However, if you only have the company name, review invoices or receipts, check its website, or contact the business directly. Companies House may help you confirm a company’s registered details, but it does not provide a general VAT-number lookup service.
How Do You Find Out Your Own VAT Number?
Now that you know how to find a VAT number for a company, let’s understand how to find a company VAT number of your own.
If you are running your own business and wondering how to find your VAT number, here is where you can find it:
Invoices and Receipts
You can find the VAT number on the business VAT invoices you have issued. Under UK law, VAT-registered businesses need to display their VAT number on invoices.
VAT Registration Certificate
When registering for the first time, HMRC sends you a Certificate of Registration (VAT4). You can see the VAT number on this certificate.
Online VAT Account
Another way to verify or find a VAT number is by logging in to your Government Gateway Account. Sign in to your HMRC VAT online account to access your VAT records and certificate.
Previous VAT Returns
If you have submitted any VAT returns to HMRC, you can check them, as they may have your VAT number.
If you need help managing your VAT obligations, explore our VAT returns services for micro-entities to find out how we can help.
Contact HMRC
If you still cannot find the VAT number, contact HMRC directly. They will review your query and help you find your VAT number.
How To Find a VAT Number on an Invoice?
You can find the VAT number on business documents, and an invoice is one of them. A business is legally required to display its VAT number on sales invoices and receipts. However, if a business is registered and charging VAT, they are legally required to display a valid 9-digit UK VAT number on their invoices; if they fail to do so, you cannot legally reclaim that VAT from HMRC.
Remember that if an invoice does not show a VAT number, it does not mean the business is unregistered. Check the supplier’s VAT status or ask the supplier to clarify.
When Do You Need a VAT Number?
In the UK, businesses usually must register for VAT if their taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period or they expect it to exceed £90,000 in the next 30 days. However, other rules may apply to overseas businesses supplying the UK.
Furthermore, you may need to consider UK VAT registration when:
Selling Internationally
You may need to register in another country, depending on the goods or services sold and local VAT rules.
Importing Goods
Import VAT may apply, but importing goods does not automatically mean you need a UK VAT number.
Moreover, a valid VAT number is important for VAT invoices, returns, and reclaiming eligible VAT on business purchases.
How to Find a VAT Number Using Tools?
Tools like the VAT checker by HMRC can help you understand how to find a VAT number for a company. You can verify a VAT number using online tools, such as:
VAT Number Checker By HMRC
You can use online services to verify the VAT number. HMRC offers online services to help you verify if a business is legally registered.
EU VIES System
If there are cross-border transactions, it is best to use the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES). This system helps you verify the VAT number of EU businesses.
What Are the Common Issues When Searching for a VAT Number?
While learning how to find a VAT number of a Company, you may face issues like:
Missing Information
Missing digits are one of the common causes of failed verification. Entering the wrong digit can lead to invalid results.
Country-Specific Formats
VAT numbers are different in other countries. Follow country-specific formats and ensure you enter the correct numbers.
How MicroEntityAccounts Can Help You Find a VAT Number
If you are struggling to find your company’s VAT number or need help managing your accounts, Micro Entity Accounts can help you organise your VAT records and understand your VAT obligations.
We can also support you with VAT Returns and bookkeeping to help keep your business records accurate and up to date. Get a quote now!
Additionally, if you want other accounting services or guides to understand things faster, visit our site. It has a list of guides and all the services we offer to micro-entities.
From Paperwork to Peace of Mind – Trust Micro Entity Accounts.
The Bottom Line
If you need to learn how to find a VAT number for a company, check a VAT invoice or the business’s official records first. You can also contact the business directly to request its VAT registration number.
Additionally, do not assume that a business is VAT-registered just because it displays a number on its website. You can verify a UK VAT number using HMRC’s official VAT number checker.
Check out the following guidelines to understand VAT better:
- Can You Pay VAT in Instalments? Everything You Need to Know
- Is There VAT on Used Cars? A Guide for UK Buyers
- Can You Claim VAT on Prepayment in the UK?
- Is There VAT on Car Parking? Find All Details here
Disclaimer: The content provided on Micro-Entity Accounts, including our blog and articles, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, accounting, or legal advice.
